Abstract
Ghana, compared to many other African nations, has been described as a peaceful and stable country. Nonetheless, there are several ethno-political and religious conflicts some of which have been ongoing in the country for several years. The conflicts could be broadly categorized as inter – and intra – ethnic conflicts. This paper gives an account of some of the major conflicts in Northern Ghana that have drawn national attention, most of which were/are violent. It examines the causes of these conflicts, some of which include the struggle for traditional power and supremacy, claims of ownership of land and politically and religious-motivated. While inter-ethnic conflicts are generally about sovereignty and claim to land, intra-ethnic conflicts are mostly about succession. The outcomes of these conflicts have made coexistence either very difficult in certain areas or even impossible. The analysis is based on a qualitative historical analysis of four case studies on the northern Ghana conflicts. Data were drawn from secondary and primary sources. Although earlier studies have taken this historical narrative form, it is also necessary to re-examine the cases on a comparative basis and to especially analyze the strategies that have been employed to manage, resolve or transform them. Understanding the dynamics of these interventions is necessary for the search for lasting peace. The paper also assesses the roles and involvement of major stakeholders in conflict management, resolution and prevention in northern Ghana and finally suggests a way forward. KEY WORDS : Conflict, Ghana, Ethnic Conflicts, Power Struggle, Stakeholders
Highlights
For over two decades, conflict resolution and peace building have become topical issues in debates and discussions all over Africa
Though Ghana has been often portrayed as an island or oasis of peace in a sub-region otherwise characterized by violent conflicts, it is worth noting that at the national or local front, the story is different
Northern Ghana for example, has been a place of repeated ethno-political violent conflicts some of which have been reasonably well managed, bringing about relative peace in the areas concerned while others have degenerated into seasonal and/or annual ‘rituals’
Summary
Conflict resolution and peace building have become topical issues in debates and discussions all over Africa. This is because of the recurrent and protracted nature of conflicts, and because of their negative impacts on Africa’s socio-economic and political developments as most of these conflicts are violent. The presentation is in five sections including an overview of major northern conflicts in Ghana with a focus on the four case studies, analysis of the causes of the conflict, followed by a discussion of their effects and presentation on a way forward which ends with a conclusion
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